Joe Leon Slechta, 83, beloved husband, father and grandfather, of Conway Springs, passed away Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024, surrounded by his family at his home.

Joe was born was born Aug. 13, 1941, at Liberal to Joe Frank Slechta and Rose Marie (Schlehofer) Slechta. He moved with his family to Sumner County near Anson in 1948. He attended the Anson School, where he met his lifelong best friend, John Myers. He then went on to graduate from Conway Springs High School with the class of 1959. He began working at Oxwell in Wellington before operating a local service station.

Joe enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard in 1964. His unit was activated in 1968 during the Vietnam Conflict, and he served his country stationed at Fort Carson. He was honorably discharged in 1969.

Joe was united in marriage to Mary Margaret “Maggie” Small on March 8, 1968, at the First Presbyterian Church in Conway Springs. They were blessed with two children, Joe David in 1970 and Cathleen Marie in 1972.

Joe worked for Gerald Harrington in Conway Springs following his return from service. He later became a ticket agent for Continental Airlines in Wichita before taking over operation of the Wallace Small family farm in 1971. He remained a respected farmer for the rest of his life.

Joe was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder and in numerous capacities. He was a past master of Norwich Masonic Lodge and active in Harper Lodge and Mistletoe Lodge in Conway Springs.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Mary Rose Slechta M.D. and Ameila Field.

Joe is survived by his wife, Mary Slechta; one son, Joe D. Slechta and wife Stacy of North Newton; one daughter, Cathleen Balman of Conway Springs; four grandchildren, Isaac Balman, Owen Joe Balman, Claire Slechta, and Joe Elliott Slechta; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Cathleen Ohnemiller; nephews, John W. and Michael Ohnemiller; as well as a number of other relatives and countless friends.

Funeral service will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 6, at the Conway Springs Methodist Church, Conway Springs. Interment will follow in Peotone Cemetery, Viola.

Ebersole Mortuary, Conway Springs is in charge of arrangements. Online guest book and condolences are available at www.ebersolemortuary.com.

A memorial has been established with the Autism Society of America.